a beginner once again

September 23, 2013
Today was my first day loose lungeing on my own with Little Horse. The day started out with him watching me wherever I went while I was doing chores and walking around the fence line. (Just like Bob used to do.) Then, when I went out to the gate to start, he nickered at me. He has never done that before. I thought that was interesting…..
I am such a beginner! And, that is o.k. I am going to enjoy the newness and fun of learning different ways of looking at things and acquiring new tools with which to enhance the relationships I have with my horses. I remind myself of this as I fumble around with the lead tied to the halter I am holding as I also try to get myself in the desired position to try this intriguing thing called loose lungeing.
Today I wanted to feel what was happening with my Little Horse, as well as observe how he reacted to my body language and movement. I took things really slow, and felt very victorious when I got him to walk ¾ of a circle around me, and then drew him to me by backing up. We did this in both directions, and then I stopped. Remembering what Kathy taught me about muscle memory and mileanation (sp?) I wanted to end on this good note. Plus, I felt connected to my horse, and didn’t want to diminish that by trying for more. I also remembered to walk away from him, instead of letting him leave. I know that my body positioning and language was not spot on, and that I would fall into the more familiar patterns of lungeing with a line, but I am going to go with the fact that I accomplished what I set out to, and worry about the fine tuning later. I am sure that I will find out soon if this is not the correct approach! Excited for day two.

September 24, 2013
Another tiny nicker today! Great way to start things off. I think I am getting better at leading with calm, which is kind of remarkable since I’m not all the way sure yet if I’m leading the “right” way. Trying to stick with accomplishing a small goal in the way that feels best and connected and refining later.
Little Horse actually does better to the right. I started to the left again today, and realized that I still need more help with the concept of closing the door because Little Horse kept trying to turn to the right. I got a circle left with a couple pauses and then he turned toward me. I stopped him there and went up to him. I thought the pauses I got from Little Horse rather than the running around and chasing the other horses that he did before when Kathy was out here was a step in the right direction. At least in the direction of leading with calm. Adagio! My new favorite word.
Heading to the right, I actually got a circle and a half, and then drew Little Horse to me through backing up. I stopped him in his 4 foot bubble and told him how amazingly talented and smart he was. He agreed with me.